Topic: 2024-Substance Abuse
Country: Pakistan
Delegate Name: Alexander Haas
Committee: ECOSOC
Topic: 2024 – Substance Abuse
Country: Pakistan
School: Portage Central
Delegate Name: Alexander Haas
The nation of Pakistan understands the importance and damaging effects of substance abuse. Substance abuse, defined as the misuse and overuse of legal and illegal drugs, presents many dangers and negative consequences in a society. In a 2013 study conducted by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics it was found that an estimated 6.5 million Pakistani citizens use drugs on an annual basis and 25% of the youth population is involved with drug use. This high presence of substance abuse has caused many problems in households along with affecting the economy by decreasing the amount of able bodied young workers.
To combat this issue of substance abuse the nation of Pakistan has put in place many laws and regulations to decrease availability and presence of substances in our nation. As a basis The Drugs Act of 1976 criminalizing the sale and manufacture of illicit substances. The National Anti-Narcotics Policy of 2019 also tackles the issue of drug abuse. This policy strengthens importation of substances on the national level from other countries. One of the main countries of concern being Afghanistan. The policy also increases the number and quality of care of rehabilitation centers along with promoting evidence based prevention measures within communities.
Currently Pakistan’s main objectives at combating the country’s substance abuse are as follows. Pakistan will continue to maintain the poppy-free status enforcing the zero tolerance policy of cultivation of narcotic plants. Pakistan will continue its zero tolerance policy on corrupt practices and effectively combat the manufacture of illicit goods within organized crime and drug related money laundering operations. Strengthen border security and law enforcement in the country of Pakistan. Increase availability of gender-sensitive drug treatment and rehabilitation care. And improving research and education on substance abuse.
Sources Cited
An exploratory research on the role of family in youth’s drug addiction. (n.d.). National Library of Medicine . https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4346037/#:~:text=Drug%20abuse%20is%20a%20prevalent,%5BUNODC%5D%20(2013)).
MESSAGE FROM THE FEDERAL MINISTER FOR INTERIOR AND NARCOTICS CONTROL MOHSIN NAQVI ON THE OCCASION OF INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING. (n.d.). Press Information Department. https://pid.gov.pk/site/press_detail/25692
THE NATIONAL ANTI-NARCOTICS POLICY-2019. (n.d.).
https://narcon.gov.pk/SiteImage/Misc/files/The-National-Anti-Narcotics-Policy-2019.pdf
